Study shows promise of multicancer early detection tests
A recent study involving over 35,800 adults highlights the potential of MCED tests to detect multiple cancer types early, with high specificity and significant detection of cancers lacking current screening guidelines.
A multicancer early detection (MCED) test could help clinicians address a cancer screening challenge: the lack of a recommended screening test for certain cancers. Results from a recent study examining how MCED testing could aid cancer screening are reported in a Mayo Clinic News article.
Theresearch included more than35,800 participants; all were ages 50 or older and underwent a MCED test.Key findings:
About 60% of adults who received a positive MCED result were diagnosed with cancer, with nearly 71% at stages 1-3.
The test’s specificity was 99.64%.
Cancer signals associated with 17 broad cancer types were detected.
The test accurately estimated one out of twosignal origins in most cases.
Nearly three quarters of cancers the MCED test detected do not have U.S. Preventive Services Task Force grade A or B screening recommendations.
The researchers recommend additional studies with newer variations of the MCED test to confirm these resultsand measure clinical benefit. They emphasize that this test should not replace existing screening methods.
